One special request from the club was that they wanted our Drum Major to throw the mace in front of the four stands as this was a tradition carried out by “Lofty” the Drum Major of the Metropolitan Police Band.

After agreeing to the engagement a further request from the organiser was to have the band accompany PC Alex Morgan, an operatic tenor singer who sang with the police band for many years throughout the 1960s and 1970’s. Despite his advancing years he still sang regularly and was pleased to be asked to sing at Highbury again after so many years

This was one of the most exciting performances the band had been asked to do for many years. With ten days to go before the performance, the Bandmaster was contacted by the Highbury organiser asking “Would the band also like to perform with the Rock Legend Roger Daltrey from THE WHO.” Knowing this would be chance of a lifetime for the band and the members, the Bandmaster agreed. It was only then that it was established that Roger Daltrey was still writing the special piece titled Highbury Highs.

Roger Daltrey recorded his ideas onto a CD whilst playing his guitar. This was couriered across to a former member of the band, James Marshall, the now Bandmaster of the Blues & Royals. From this CD he had the job of arranging this for the band, he brought the arrangement and parts down to the band’s rehearsal on the Tuesday prior to the event. The band got down to work on the piece and called a second rehearsal for the Wednesday. It was at this rehearsal the band was told that Roger Daltrey wanted to record this in a studio before the Sunday. At twenty four hours notice the band made there way to Angel Studios in Islington for a recording.

A very nervous band arrived at the studio to be met by a gentleman called Bob who introduced himself as the man who produced all of The Who albums and he would producing tonight’s recording.

It was then the band realised the size of the task ahead, however the nerves were soon settled when Roger Daltrey welcomed everyone individually and told them have some fun and enjoy themselves.

The studio was already set up for the band and Roger and his management were keen to hear what the arrangement sounded like. After a few bars they all began smiling at each other delighted at the sound of the band and pleased with the arrangement James had produced. It was at this point the band experienced for the first time the sound of Roger as he began singing the lead vocal.

After a few amendments Roger made to the piece, the band played it’s first full run through performance of the piece, not knowing it was being recorded. At the end of the first take the studio’s engineers were happy with the band’s performance and decided to take a break.

The band members took this opportunity to get autographs and photographs with Roger Daltrey and he made sure no one was missed, even those of the band who had brought there entire back catalogue of WHO records. He patiently signed them all before announcing to the band that he was happy with the playing of the band, however now it was time for the band members to add vocals to the track.

Every band member with headphones on, sang all the choruses in a scene looking similar to a recording of a Band Aid record. After a couple of takes the recording was played back and the band got the first chance to hear the completed article, with band, vocals and the superb singing of a rock legend. It was truly a fantastic moment with a big grin on the face of everyone in the studio.

On the Sunday morning the band arrived at the Highbury ground 5 hours before kick off for a sound check with Roger, before disappearing to a local park for a run through. The size of the occasion was apparent as there was banners, flags everywhere you looked with messages of Farewell to Highbury and there were supporters everywhere.

The band approached the stadium midway through the second half of the game dressed and ready to perform and it became apparent that many of the band had never been to a football match before. The sound of the crowd all in high spirits singing was a surprise to many.

With Arsenal winning the game and the other results that day favouring Arsenal’s League position, the party scene was set and the band had the honour of opening up the Closedown Ceremony. The band entered onto the pitch after a great introduction by the former Eastenders actor Tom Watt and the crowd got behind the band immediately. Tom Watt explained to the newer Arsenal fans that it was a Highbury tradition to encourage the Drum Major to throw the mace. The sound of 38,000 cheering when Marc Price threw the mace in front of the North Stand was deafening. The sound of the crowd was immense and the band could just about hear them selves play. The band continued to play at there loudest volume for both laps of the pitch, with Marc Price producing a large throw in front of every stand and catching everyone.

The band took up position for the second part of the performance as accompaniment to the tenor singer. To a rapturous applause he was introduce as the Singing Copper Pc Alex Morgan. He elected to sing Ole Sole Mia much to the delight of the crowd. The crowd naturally joined in the words changing the lyric to the well know ice cream advert Just one Cornetto.

After some more nostalga from Arsenal’s 93 year history at Highbury, The band returned to the centre of the pitch to accompany Roger Daltrey with the Highbury High song. The band struck up the introduction with footage of Roger Daltrey and the band being beamed live to Sky television and cameramen walking through the band. The band concentrated on there job, enjoying every second of a truly memorable experience.

It is Roger Daltrey’s desire to release the single recorded with the band with proceeds going to the charity of which he is Patron, Teenagers with Cancer. The band are delighted to have been asked to be involved in this recording and support this very worthy cause.